Francis Rossi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Rossi
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Rossi performing with Status Quo in 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Francis Dominic Nicholas Michael Rossi |
| Also known as | Mike Rossi, Frame, The GOMOR (The Grand Old Man of Rock) |
| Born | 29 May 1949 Forest Hill, London, England |
| Died | Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day |
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| Years active | 1962–present |
Francis Dominic Nicholas Michael Rossi (born 29 May 1949) is an English musician. He is best known as a co-founder, lead singer, and lead guitarist of the famous rock band Status Quo. He is the only member who has been with the band since the very beginning.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Francis Rossi was born in Forest Hill, London, on 29 May 1949. His family had an ice cream business in South London. His mother was from Liverpool. He grew up in a busy home with his parents, grandmother, aunts, and uncles.
He went to Our Lady and St Philip Neri Roman Catholic Primary School. Later, he attended Sedgehill Comprehensive School. Francis decided he wanted to be a musician after seeing The Everly Brothers on TV. He asked his parents for a guitar for Christmas.
Francis Rossi's Music Career
Forming Early Bands
In 1962, while at school, Francis became good friends with Alan Lancaster. Alan later became the bassist for Status Quo. They formed a band called the Scorpions with two other classmates. Their first show was at the Samuel Jones Sports Club.
Later, John Coghlan joined the band as the drummer. The group changed its name to the Spectres. They wrote their own songs and played live shows. In 1965, the Spectres played at a Butlins holiday camp. There, Francis met Rick Parfitt, who was playing in another band. They became close friends and decided to work together.
In 1966, the Spectres signed a deal with Piccadilly Records. They released three singles, but none of them became hits. The band then changed their name again to Traffic Jam.
Success with Status Quo
In 1967, Traffic Jam became The Status Quo, and later just Status Quo. Rick Parfitt joined the band, completing the original lineup. This started a partnership with Francis that lasted almost 50 years.
Francis wrote a song called "Pictures of Matchstick Men". It became a hit in the UK and the US in 1968. This song helped launch their successful career. In 1972, their album Piledriver reached number 5 in the UK charts.
Status Quo became very popular in the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. They were the first band to play at Live Aid in 1985. Francis wrote or co-wrote many of their biggest hits. These include "Caroline" and their only number one single, "Down Down".
On early albums, Francis was sometimes called Mike Rossi. He later explained that his real name was thought to be "too fancy." Within the band, he is known as "Frame" or "The Gomor" (The Grand Old Man of Rock).
Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt were the only original members left until Rick passed away in 2016. In 2013 and 2014, Francis and Rick reunited with Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan for special concerts. Status Quo has sold over 128 million albums worldwide.
Other Music Projects
In 1984, Francis and Rick Parfitt took part in the Band Aid charity song, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" Francis has also worked on solo projects. In 1985, he released two singles with his writing partner Bernie Frost.
In 1996, he released a solo album called King of the Doghouse. It included the song "Give Myself to Love," which reached number 42 in the UK. In 2010, his second solo album, One Step at a Time, came out. It featured a new version of Status Quo's song "Caroline."
In 2013, Francis starred as himself with Rick Parfitt in the movie Bula Quo!. The film followed them on an adventure in Fiji.
In 2019, Francis released an album called We Talk Too Much with singer Hannah Rickard. The same year, he published his book I Talk Too Much. He also went on a spoken word tour in the UK.
Musical Instruments and Gear
Francis Rossi's favorite guitar is the Fender Telecaster. He has used several over the years. His most famous one is a green 1957 model. He bought it in 1968. It was originally a different color but was painted green in 1970.
He also owns two other green Fender Telecasters. These are brighter green and have different fretboards. One is used for the song "Down Down" and the other for "Whatever Whatever You Want."
In 2014, Francis was sad when his main green 1957 Telecaster became too old to use. The wood was too soft to keep the guitar in tune. This special guitar was sold at an auction in 2019.
For his sound, Francis uses Marshall amplifiers. He also uses Vox AC30 amplifiers hidden behind his Marshall setup. In the studio, he uses computer software for his guitar sound.
Stage Style
Francis Rossi and Status Quo have often been called "uncool." Francis himself joked about it. On stage, Francis usually wears a black waistcoat, blue jeans, and white trainers. One reviewer even said the white trainers were the band's only "visual" on stage.
Francis once said that he looked up to Little Richard. He felt that Little Richard's energy was important for rock and roll. He believes that if you don't move physically, rock and roll doesn't quite work.
Personal Life
Francis Rossi married his second wife, Eileen, in 1989. He has eight children from his two marriages. In 2011, he shared that all his children play music professionally.
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In 2019, his book I Talk Too Much was published. Francis also describes himself as a "lapsed Catholic."
Francis was known for his long ponytail, which he started growing around 1974. After 35 years, he cut it off in 2009. He noticed his hair was getting thinner as he got older. He felt it was time to "grow old gracefully."
Awards and Honors
Francis Rossi was given the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) award in 2010. This was for his services to music and charity. Rick Parfitt also received the same honor.
Francis said that meeting the Queen was a very humbling experience. He felt it was different from playing for thousands of fans. He admired the Queen, calling her "simply amazing."
Discography
- King of the Doghouse (1996)
- One Step at a Time (2010)
- We Talk Too Much (2019)
